Everyone can relate to a paper clutter problem: loose bits of scrap paper with doodles and writing in any conceivable place, a newspaper from 3 weeks ago still on the coffee table or a mountain of letters you still need to post. Clearing this clutter can make a massive difference to the look and feel of your home and can start you on your way to a clutter free life.

There are lots of reasons why paper can accumulate in your home but if you stake some simple steps you can get on top of, and manage, the problem.

One of the most common problems is received letters you deem not important enough to bother with now but important enough to not just throw away. These letters usually end up in a pile in a cupboard or on a surface. The solution is simple: Open every letter as soon as it falls at your front door. Then immediately deal with it, throwing away the junk mail into your recycling bin as you go.

Another problem is shoving old newspapers into the paper rack even though it’s almost at breaking point. Newspapers then end up falling off the rack and piles of papers gather around. To avoid excessive hoarding keep only treasured papers/magazines (ones, for example, where you or a relative feature as a news item) and recycle the rest.

Scrap or crumpled up bits of paper can wiggle their way into the weirdest of places. It’s a common habit to doodle on paper when on the phone, computer or waiting around twiddling your thumbs. Bits of paper then get ripped off and folded or crumpled up, finally ending up in a pocket or down the back of the sofa. Make sure that any rubbish gets put immediately into a waste paper bin to then later get recycled.

Not everything needs to be thrown away however. Important documents like tax related documents, insurance certificates, driving licenses or receipts. It’s imperative to file these away in an orderly fashion. There are many ways to file away documents and one of the easiest methods is to sort documents into folders. Have one folder for all car related documents, one for all your receipts and one for bank statements and so on. This way you can find you documents quickly and without fuss and you avoid any possible clutter. Just make sure you label the folders!

All councils should offer a recycling service so make the most of it! Make sure all recyclable materials go into their corresponding bins or bags. You can find out if a material is recyclable by looking for a recycle symbol.

Get a notebook (or get a few!) for jotting down any details and lay it down in any areas you find you scribble on bits of paper. If the notebook is one where you can’t rip out the paper easily you’ll find all the paper stays in the notebook and not on the floor! Then, once the notebook is filled, recycle it.

One final tip is to get an in and out tray. This is a simple but effective filing system for anything that needs you attention, like bills or letters you must return. Assign at least one day of the week to going through and sorting the trays and before long you’ll find your house is a clutter free zone!